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The story of how Chianti came to be so famous - and how its wine earned its place on the world stage - is a fascinating tale of ancient rivalries, winemaking prowess and legislative challenges. Knowing the backstory will make the wine-tasting experience all the more special when you let the notes dance on your tongue during your Chianti wine tour. Read on to get a flavour of the history. The Region In the Middle Ages, Florence was the home of Italy’s wine making trade and was one of the most powerful city states in the country. It wasn’t, however, until the 14th century that the hills between Florence and Siena became known as Chianti. Wine tours here take place in what was actually the first delimited winemaking zone: in 1716, Grand Duke Cosimo III de Medici drafted what is widely regarded as the first legislation ever to govern wineries’ production. The Consortium Such spectacular wines needed to be protected and in 1924, a total of 33 local producers banded together to form a consortium for the defence of Chianti wines. Tour guides often highlight how this consortium specially selected a Gallo Nero (a black rooster) as their symbol, harking back to ancient regional rivalries. The Gallo Nero had been used as the symbol of a military organisation called the League of Chianti since its foundation in 1384. The League defended the region’s territory from attack along its southern borders. But why a black rooster in the first place? According to legend, Florence and Siena once decided to resolve their long-standing rivalry by sending two knights to compete. The knights would need to beat the other to an agreed-upon destination the following morning, setting off from their home cities as soon as the first call of the rooster came. The Florentine knight selected a black rooster, while Siena’s man chose a white one. The Sienese overfed their rooster the night before, which was ultimately their downfall: the hungry Florentine bird began its song far earlier giving its knight counterpart ample time to beat his opponent! The Consortium worked from 1924 to 1967 on legally defending the famous regional winemaking practices. Their efforts were key to getting the area’s wines recognised as distinguishable from other Tuscan vintages. Thanks to this association, the regional wines were finally granted the respect and exclusive recognition status that they deserved. Classico The Classico vintage is sure to be one of the highlights of your Chianti wine tour. Under the Denominazione di Origine Controllata (DOC), Classico was given its own distinct and more selective rules of production. According to regulation, it must be produced according to strict high standards in order to preserve the original formula for success: The grapes used must all be grown in the same original Classico area These should be sourced from vineyards where 80% or more of the grapes are sangiovese Vinification, preservation, and bottling need to all be conducted in the area of production Classico Reserva must age for at least 24 months Although the sangiovese grape is the most abundant red variety in Italy, it remains devilishly difficult to grow to perfection. It must be closely pruned, and is highly sensitive to its environment, such as the composition of the soil and the weather. All the more reason to appreciate the highly skilled winemakers during your Chianti wine tour! Now that your thirst for knowledge has been quenched, you can look forward to drinking the fine vintages yourself. Remember to book with a reputable local tour operator if you want to learn even more about this magnificent tipple. Author Plate Mauro Bramante is the Director of WalkAbout Florence, an independent business offering unforgettable tours and excursions around Italy including the best Chianti wine tours. Whether you want to ride a Vintage Vespa, try the famous wine or get cooking with fresh local ingredients, Mauro's company promises excitement, adventure and above all, fun. If you're keen to experience the magic of Italy with the help of some passionate and knowledgeable tour guides, look no further than WalkAbout Florence for your next getaway.
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